Fill the Gap Scholarship
Funding to help youth focus on school
While youth in foster care may have their tuition covered, costs outside of tuition like housing, transportation and books can be a financial barrier to success.
The Fill the Gap Scholarship is here to support youth with foster care experience in reaching their educational goals.
About the Program
The Fill the Gap Scholarship provides flexible funding to cover a student's basic needs expenses for continuing education after high school.
Funding can be used beyond tuition to include housing, transportation, technology, books, or other necessary items to pursue education. The scholarship is intended to reduce stressors and barriers so students can focus on their educational goals.
Scholarship recipients receive up to $4,000 a year, renewable for up to four years, contingent upon continued eligibility.
The application will open each year in February and the deadline to apply is March 15th. Awards will be announced in April, just in time to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month in May!
Eligibility
Under the age of 24.
Have experienced foster care after the age of 14 in the state of Oregon.
Graduated from high school (minimum 2.5 GPA), or earned their GED.
Enrolled (or plan to enroll) in 12 or more credits per term.
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Application Process
The application is currently closed and will open from February 1-March 15, 2026. To apply, complete the application form using the link below. In addition to completing the application form, you will be asked to attach a 350-500 word essay in PDF format (see application for details) and provide your most recent high school or college transcript. You will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult who knows you well (e.g. teacher, case worker, ILP coach, professor, supervisor, mentor, etc).
Scholarship FAQs
Can’t find answers to your questions? We’re here to help. Contact Rebecca Gundle at rebecca@projectlemonadepdx.org
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Youth must be under the age of 24, have graduated from high school with a 2.5 GPA or earned their GED, have experienced foster care after the age of 14 in the state of Oregon, and enroll in 12 or more credits per term. Youth can use their awards for any accredited college, university or trade school regardless of geographic location.
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Yes, as long as you experienced foster care after the age of 14 and are still under the age of 24, you are eligible for this scholarship.
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4 scholarships will be awarded annually each spring. The application deadline is March 15th, and recipients will be notified in late April.
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Funding can be used for tuition, housing, transportation, technology, textbooks, or other necessary items to pursue your education.
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Yes, you will be asked to submit a 350-500 word essay responding to one of three prompts. The prompts to choose from are:
1) Describe a skill or strength you have, or something unique about yourself, and why it is part of who you are.
2) Describe an issue that matters to you, and why.
3) Describe a challenge you have overcome in your life.
You will need to save your essay as a PDF so it can be uploaded during the application process.
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Yes, you will be required to submit a letter of recommendation to supplement your application. This is helpful to the selection committee to get a fuller picture of you and your strengths. Your letter of recommendation can be from any of the following adults in your life: teacher, professor, supervisor at work, mentor, ILP coach, case worker, etc. Please do not submit a letter written by a relative or foster parent.
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Yes, you will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent school transcript (high school or college, whichever you currently attend); it can be a screenshot (JPEG) or PDF format.
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Yes, you can view a PDF of all application questions so you know what you will be asked.